'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 18 February 2018

Review: Peas and Quiet

Pip the Pea loves to cook and sing even though she can't carry a tune. Pop the Pea loves to sleep, snoring and snuffling and snorting the time away.

Although they are best of best friends, sometimes Pip and Pop do drive each other mad, and one day after Pip refuses to stop her awful singing, Pop decides to leave their pea pod home altogether. And Pip? Well Pip is not in the least bit sorry to see him go!

Pip can sing as loudly and sqwarkily as she likes, and she sets about baking up a storm, singing all the while. But eventually Pip finds there is no one to share her baking with, and that she is after all a little bit sorry that Pop has gone.

Pop however is on an adventure, travelling the garden and narrowly escaping the paws of a passing kitten. But when he goes to tell Pip all about his escape, he realises that without her to share things with, he is lonely and miserable too.

Of course a reconciliation ensues and a pair of earmuffs each ensures that Pip and Pop's friendship can endure, alongside their love of singing and snoring, without driving each other completely mad.

This is a lovely tale for teaching children the value of compromise and understanding, encouraging siblings or friends to work to overcome differences and find a solution that allows them both to follow their passions.

Sue deGennaro's illustrations are so lively, energetic and engaging, truly bringing to life Tozer's sweet rhyming story of two best friend peas who share the same home pod. The bright pops of reds, pinks and yellows amongst the primary green and blue illustrations delightfully draws the readers attention to the whimsical details of pea pod life. 

Title: Peas and Quiet
Author: Gabrielle Tozer
Illustrator: Sue deGennaro
Publisher: Harper Collins, $24.99
Publication Date: 19 June 2017
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781460752395
For ages: 4-8
Type: Picture Book